Calm, cool Colin Kaepernick as 49ers' title game approaches

SANTA CLARA — If quarterback Colin Kaepernick is nervous about playing in the NFC Championship Game, one certainly can't tell by his demeanor and words.

On Friday, Kaepernick stood before the media for a post-practice news conference in an undershirt, shorts and socks, looking every bit as calm as he has since he replaced Alex Smith as the starter.

"It's going to be the same routine we always do," Kaepernick said, when asked about his preparation between now and Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons. "It's just going to be in Atlanta, and not here."

Kaepernick is on this week's cover of Sports Illustrated and the subject of intense media attention of late, in particular in light of his rushing for 181 yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in a 45-31 victory last Saturday night.

Through it all, Kaepernick keeps the same approach, seemingly oblivious to the increased interest in his dynamic play and meteoric rise.

"I don't have time to stop and think right now," Kaepernick said. "There's too much work to be done."

The next order of business is finding a way to help the 49ers beat the Falcons and advance to the Super Bowl.

Kaepernick said he is focused on the task at hand and not thinking about any down time until the season ends.

"This is 100 percent a business trip," Kaepernick said. "This is what we work for all season, all offseason."

He also isn't fazed by Falcons players saying they intend to rattle Kaepernick by hitting him hard if they get the opportunity.

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As with everything, Kaepernick takes such talk in stride.

"I don't think that has any impact on me," Kaepernick said. "Any defense, if they get a shot at a quarterback, they're going to take it. That's just part of football."